Manzanita in Tillamook County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

From Footpath to Highway

Traveling Neahkahnie Mountain

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 22, 2017

1. From Footpath to Highway Marker

Captions: (left) In the 1890s, the only way around Neahkahnie Mountain was a foot trail about 18 inches wide.; (bottom left) By 1915, it was just possible to ride a horse or drive a buggy over the Neahkahnie Mountain trail. (upper center right) After the turn of the 20th century, a pedestrian suspension bridge was built over the Mountain's "chasm,: its steepest spot.; (bottom right) As the highway was constructed, the roadbed was partially cut into the cliff face, and at vital steep points it was suspended by the Chasm Bridge and several half viaducts.

Inscription. If driving the highway now is nerve-wracking, imagine traveling through here before it was build! The 1,680-foot high Neahkahnie Mountain is one of the most treacherous headlands on the coast.
Native residents once traveled by canoe or on foot to reach neighboring communities. They moved easily along stretches of water and hard, smooth sand, but at Neahkahnie, they used a narrow trail made by elk and deer.
Eventually cattle and horse-drawn buggies traveled this precarious path, but when cars appeared on the coast in the 1920s, it was time to build a safer road. The new Oregon Coast Highway, built by the State Highway Department, was completed in 1941.

"For scenic value, this new section will be the equal of anything offered along the 400 miles of Oregon's coastline." -- Herman Edwards, The Oregonian, March 23, 1941

Erected by Oregon Department of Transportation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • Roads & Vehicles.

Location. 45° 44.608′ N, 123° 57.502′ W. Marker is in Manzanita, Oregon, in Tillamook County. Marker is on Oregon Coast Highway (U.S. 101) near Meadow Loop, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Manzanita OR 97130, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Safety and Beauty (here, next to this marker); The First People (a few steps from this marker); Uncanny Neahkahnie (a few steps from this marker); Oswald West (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Neahkahnie Mountain (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Oswald West (about 700 feet away); Roosevelt Elk (about 700 feet away); In Harmony with Nature (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manzanita.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 22, 2017

2. From Footpath to Highway Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2018. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 303 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 4, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.